Special Education Teacher Aide | Youth In Transition School

National Center On Institutions And; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Health savings account

401(k)/403(b) retirement plan

Paid holidays and winter break

Tuition assistance

Professional development support

Free parking

Job summary

National Center On Institutions And Alternatives Inc in Baltimore, MD is seeking an Academic Support Staff member for the Youth In Transition School. The role emphasizes building trusted relationships, providing structure, and supporting students’ academic and behavioral progress throughout the day.

Responsibilities include one-on-one coaching, small-group work, implementing safety and behavior plans, and collecting data to inform progress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (relevant experience may substitute)
• At least 2 years of experience working with students with special needs

Responsibilities

• Support students one-on-one and in small groups during lessons
• Reinforce positive behavior using trauma-informed strategies
• Help students navigate transitions, challenges, and emotional moments
• Provide structure, supervision, and encouragement throughout the school day
• Collect academic and behavioral data to support student progress
• Participate in team debriefs to reflect, problem-solve, and improve outcomes
• Step in with calm confidence when students need de-escalation or redirection

Skills

Clear written and verbal communication

Ability to follow safety procedures

Basic math and data interpretation

Strong judgment and following guidance

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location: National Center on Institutions and Alternatives Inc - Baltimore, MD 21244Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: High School/GEDSalary Range: $16.70 - $16.70 HourlyTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: DayJob Category: EducationAcademic Support Staff

Youth In Transition (YIT) School

Immediate Openings

Be the Difference a Student Remembers Forever

Some students don’t just need instruction—they need consistency, patience, and someone who believes in them.

At the Youth In Transition (YIT) School, Academic Support Staff are more than classroom aides. They are trusted adults, role models, and steady anchors in students’ lives.

If you’re motivated by meaningful relationships, thrive in hands-on environments, and want to do work that genuinely matters, this role offers the chance to change lives-every single day.

Why This Role Matters

Many YIT students arrive at school needing structure, support, and safety before learning can even begin.

As an Academic Support Staff member, your presence sets the tone for their entire day.

You help students feel seen, capable, and supported—often becoming the person they trust most in the building.

This isn’t a behind-the-scenes role.

This is impact in real time.

What You’ll Do

• Support students one-on-one and in small groups during lessons
• Reinforce positive behavior using approved, trauma-informed strategies
• Help students navigate transitions, challenges, and emotional moments
• Provide structure, supervision, and encouragement throughout the school day
• Collect academic and behavioral data to support student progress
• Participate in team debriefs to reflect, problem-solve, and improve outcomes
• Step in with calm confidence when students need de-escalation or redirection

Focused Student Support Opportunities

Some team members are assigned to provide consistent support to one student throughout the day. In this role, you may:

• Be the student’s first positive connection each morning
• Provide close academic support during class time
• Escort the student safely throughout the building
• Track behaviors and help implement individualized behavior plans
• Identify triggers and use proactive de-escalation strategies
• Ensure the student ends each day safely and successfully

Consistency builds trust—and trust changes everything.

Qualifications Who Thrives in This Role

This position is ideal for individuals who are:

• Patient, calm, and emotionally grounded
• Comfortable setting firm but compassionate boundaries
• Motivated by student progress—not perfection
• Able to stay composed in fast-moving or challenging moments
• Passionate about equity, access, and youth development

Qualifications

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (relevant experience may substitute)
• At least 2 years of experience working with students with special needs

Skills

• Clear written and verbal communication
• Ability to follow safety procedures and behavior plans
• Basic math and data interpretation skills
• Strong judgment and ability to follow instructions

Professional Expectations

• Maintain strict confidentiality and ethical conduct
• Demonstrate professionalism in behavior, language, and appearance
• Be reliable, punctual, and committed to the team
• Help create a classroom environment where students feel safe and respected

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Frequent walking, standing, and stair use
• Occasional lifting (15-20 lbs)
• Ability to move quickly and perform approved TCI physical interventions
• Indoor classroom environment with moderate noise

NCIA offers a strong and competitive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with employer contributions
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Generous time off, paid holidays, and winter break
• Tuition assistance & professional development support
• Free parking & a supportive school culture

Why NCIA?

NCIA is a nonprofit that empowers people through unconditional support, equity, and compassion. We believe in building stronger communities by helping individuals thrive.

NCIA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions based on merit. NCIA celebrates people from all walks of life and prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, marital or veteran status, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, or characteristics (or those of a family member), sexual orientation, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.